Imo churches now into farming

Mrs. Opara made the statement when she supervised the lifting of 1,000 palms by the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema from the ministry, saying she will encourage the church to engage in palm for palm programme being advocated by Governor Rochas Okorocha as the measure would make the state become a producer of palms in the […]

Mrs. Opara made the statement when she supervised the lifting of 1,000 palms by the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema from the ministry, saying she will encourage the church to engage in palm for palm programme being advocated by Governor Rochas Okorocha as the measure would make the state become a producer of palms in the country.
The permanent secretary recalled that the ministry has been giving out many palms to Anglican Churches in the state as well as Owerri Catholic Diocese, adding that it is the best way the ministry could partner with churches in the state.
Director Tree Crops in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Batholomew Ukaegbu, said the state governor has approved the production of one million seedlings, assuring that before the end of this present year, the ministry would produce 250,000 palm seedlings for Imo citizens.
He said the governor’s aim is improving the economy of the state through planting of palms, pointing out some of the challenges facing the ministry which include inability of people to immediately queue into the new programme of palm for palm by the governor.
Receiving the 1000 palms seedlings, the Anglican Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese Rt. Reverend Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku, expressed satisfaction with the vision of the Ministry of Agriculture by giving palms to churches to plant.
The Bishop who was represented by Venerable Ikechi Okeahialam said the measure would help the state regain its position as one of the highest producers of palm in Nigeria while commending the permanent secretary for initiating the free partnership programme that would offer many churches the opportunity to plant palm.